Fort Collins Utilities to Begin Installing Digital Electric and Water Meters in Phase Two of Project
Posted on: Sep-13-2012
In mid-September, Fort Collins Utilities will begin installing digital electric and water meters throughout the community in the second phase of the Advanced Meter Fort Collins project. The project, which replaces residential and commercial meters, will be completed in mid-2013.Once installed, the metering system will support digital two-way communication between the meters and Utilities and eventually offer more direct customer benefits.
“The new meters will transfer electricity and water use information more quickly and efficiently to Utilities’ distribution and billing systems,†Steve Catanach, Light and Power operations manager, said. “This means we can provide timelier customer service, including quicker service connection, early leak detection and better understanding of high electric or water usage.â€
Utilities also will be able to identify and respond to electric outages and water problems sooner and more effectively.
Catanach added that Utilities customers may access meter information via Internet connections or other types of home networks in the near future. This offers customers the ability to better manage their utility use and, in many cases, manage utility costs.
From March to June 2012, about 6,000 residents and businesses received new meters. They reported the installation process was efficient and easy. Utilities will follow the same installation process throughout the community.
Customers will receive a newsletter and reminder postcard indicating when electric meters are scheduled to be replaced. Installation takes a few minutes, with a brief interruption in electric service. Customers who have any home medical devices or home business needs should call (855) 284-1126 Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m., or Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Once installation is complete, a notice will be left at the door. If installation can't be completed, the notice will provide rescheduling information.
Following electric meter installation, water meter devices, located on the exterior of homes and businesses, will be replaced.
Installation crews, identified with Corix and City logos on their uniforms, badges and vehicles, will be replacing meters. Corix is Utilities’ installation partner.
Almost 20 percent of the electric utilities in the country are upgrading or have upgraded their metering systems. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected Fort Collins as one of 100 utilities awarded grants designed to improve the nation’s electric grid. At the end of 2010, the City received a
$15.7 million grant from the DOE. This grant offsets roughly half of the project’s cost.
For the latest information on the meter installation project, visit https://www.fcgov.com/advancedmeter, e-mail utilities@fcgov.com or call (970) 212-2900.
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Steve Catanach, Light and Power Operations Manager
- 970.416.2622
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